On The Fourth Try

The story of a bartender who would not back down even after years of setbacks.

- by Stuart Danker

Southeast Asia was the battleground for the top bartending talents last September, and in Malaysia, Ivon Soon from Enso Izakaya & Bar, Hyatt Regency, secured the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC) on her fourth try.

Men's Folio Malaysia sat down with Soon to learn about her journey and, most importantly, what kept her going despite years of setbacks.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WIN! TELL US HOW YOU ARE FEELING AT THE MOMENT.

A little overwhelmed, to be honest. There are a lot of other things going on currently, which adds to this spectrum of emotions, but despite all that, I have to say I'm feeling great.

IT TOOK YOU FOUR TRIES TO WIN THIS PARTICULAR COMPETITION. DID YOU FEEL MORE CONFIDENT WITH EACH TRY? OR WAS IT THE OPPOSITE - MORE INTIMIDATING?